Thoughts on Parashat Beha-aloteha, Shabbat June 14, 2008
By Rabbi Marc D. Angel
In describing Aaron's obligation to light the Menorah, the Torah uses the word "beha-aloteha", meaning "when your raise the lights". Rashi comments that this word suggests that Aaron was to kindle the lights until they were able to rise on their own.
Thoughts on Parashat Mattoth
by Rabbi Marc D. Angel
As the Israelites prepared to enter the promised land, the tribes of Reuben and Gad approached Moses with a request. They stated that they had many flocks, and that they preferred not to cross the Jordan. They wanted to establish themselves on this side of the Jordan, and were willing to forego territory in the land of Canaan.
A Thought on Parashat Bemidbar, Shabbat May 31, 2008
by Rabbi Marc D. Angel
Moses had a difficult job. He not only had to confront Pharaoh and the Egyptians, he also had to convince the Israelites themselves of the value of freedom. This latter responsibility kept him busy in Egypt--and throughout the forty years of wandering in the Wilderness.
Thoughts for Shavuoth 5768
By Rabbi Marc D. Angel
On Shavuoth, we commemorate the awesome Revelation at Mount Sinai, when the Almighty presented the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel. All of the Israelite men, women and children experienced that solemn moment, marking an everlasting covenant between God and the Israelite nation.
Let us imagine that God would invite us to a second Revelation at Sinai, asking all the Jews of the world to attend.
Israel: Dreaming the Great Dreams
by Rabbi Marc D. Angel
As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Israel's independence, we take pride in her incredible achievements; we worry about her many problems; we commit ourselves to her unfolding future. No country on earth has done so much for so many in so short a time--all in the face of implacable enemies who stop at nothing in their efforts to thwart her. We salute the people of Israel. We thank the Almighty for having given us the privilege of living at this special time.
Thoughts on Parashat Va-et-hanan
by Rabbi Marc D. Angel
Market Volatility, Spiritual Tranquility
Thoughts on Parashat Ki Tavo, Shabbat September 20, 2008
by Rabbi Marc D. Angel
The stock market is volatile. The real estate market is in trouble. The world economy is nervous. Huge companies have gone bankrupt. Other companies have been bailed out by the US government. Thousands of people have lost their jobs, their homes, their savings, their pension funds.
The Judges of Your Generation: Thoughts on Parashat Shofetim, September 6, 2008
by Rabbi Marc D. Angel
When the Talmud cannot answer a question definitively, it sometimes uses the word "Teiku". This is understood to be an acronym for the words; Tishbi yetaretz kushyot ubaayot i.e. Elijah the prophet (when the Messiah comes) will resolve these difficult questions and problems.
Rivets, Kashruth, and the Jewish Future
By Rabbi Marc D. Angel
The New York Times recently ran a story about a significant theory why the Titanic sunk. That great luxury ship struck an iceberg, letting ocean water plunge in. The tragedy resulted in the loss of about 1500 lives. The prevailing theory had been that the hull of the ship had been gashed open by the iceberg. The new theory offers a different explanation.